How to get an X-ray in Ontario
You need a requisition from your doctor or nurse practitioner and your health card. Many community clinics take X-ray walk-ins during opening hours, but not all do, so check before you go.
What to bring
- Your requisition. OHIP-covered imaging requires a signed requisition from a licensed Ontario healthcare provider. It should name the test and your referring provider.
- Your Ontario health card. Bring a current card to every OHIP-covered appointment. An expired card can mean rebooking or being billed.
If you lost your requisition, call your doctor's office. Many can resend it.
Walk-in or appointment?
Many community imaging clinics in Ontario list X-rays as walk-in and other services, such as ultrasound, as appointment-only. Policies vary by clinic, and may change depending on how busy they are that day.
Before you go, check the clinic's listing or call. Walk-in X-ray hours can be shorter than the clinic's full opening hours.
Tip: have infants or young children? Call ahead to confirm the clinic can X-ray children and is ready to see you. Not every clinic is set up for it.
How to find a clinic
Search NextAva by postal code or location to see X-ray clinics near you, with today's hours, phone numbers and directions. If the listing doesn't say whether walk-ins are accepted, call to confirm.
After your X-ray
The clinic sends your report to the provider who ordered it, who follows up with you. You usually don't get results at the clinic. See how to get your test results.